Explain why atomic radius decreases across a period

As you go along a period, there is an increasing number of protons in the nucleus of each atom meaning that the nucleus has an increasing positive charge.This means that the electrons are puller closer to the nucleus, decreasing the atomic radius.The electrons added across a period are added to the outer energy level so do not provide any shielding effect which would otherwise increase the atomic radius.

TD
Answered by Tutor406540 D. Chemistry tutor

37623 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why does a catalyst speed up a chemical reaction?


An amino acid contains 52.2% carbon, 9.3% hydrogen, 8.7% nitrogen and 29.8% oxygen by mass and has a relative molecular mass of 161 g/mol. What is its molecular formula? What functional groups must it have?


Calculate the mass in grams of Iron (III) Chloride in a solution of 500 cm^3 which has a concentration of 0.200 mol/dm^3


There are three test tubes. One containing HCl, one containing HBr and containing HI. How could you identify which is in each test tube?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning